ROV observations of benthic fishes in the Northwind and Canada Basins, Arctic Ocean

Abyssal and midslope Arctic benthic fishes were sampled nonquantitatively by still photography and videography from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) between 13 August and 7 September 2002. Species diversity was low: only six putative species were seen, including Lycodes frigidus Collett 1879, Lycodes sp., Rhodichthys regina Collett 1879, Paraliparis bathybius (Collett 1879), Raja (Amblyraja) hyperborea Collett 1879, and Cottunculus species diversity varied among stations sampled. An analysis of 1-min segments of videotape from one long ROV dive suggested that habitat selection by demersal nekton in these environments may be associated with the presence, absence, or density of other benthic animals.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]